It's crazy to see all the conditions and diseases out there and how so many of us suffer chronic pain and all the joys that accompany it.

I am in a horrible flare up right now, probably the worst one yet. The dr. has put me back on prednisone for a weekly trial so that we can see if it helps the pain. He really thinks I have polymyalgia rheumatica however, he tested me with prednisone last year and it didn't help. Also, my sed rates are normal and x-rays came back fine (last checked in early /10).

The rheumatologist says soft tissue rheumatism not fibro or anything else lol. I still think I have fibro as the science is always changing on that and from what I've read, the pressure points are not as conclusive as once thought.

All I know is that I've only known pain like this once before and that was with a bad tooth infection. This flare up is by far one of the worst experiences yet. No amount of pain pills will touch it and I can't walk, sit or stand for any length of time. Sheer agony. I've spent that past two days bawling to the point of hyperventilating.

I had a whole 3 hours sleep last night and not much more the night before... even with my prescrip sleeping pills.

I am really so scared and feel hopeless. What if this never goes away? I'm only in my 40s? How can people live like this? I keep trying to be positive and think how lucky I am compared to some but that is easier said than done.

Thanks for all your replies and for letting me vent ... I'm starting to feel like a broken record with my family and friends.

The following 2 users give hugs of support to: Gingerellcaribear (08-19-2011), catkaru (08-22-2011)

Go to the American Massage Therapist Association (AMTA) website and look for the link to FAMT (Find A Massage Therapist) it will list any AMTA-certified therapist in your search area. You can also look them up by specialty, I believe. There are some really good therapists out there, you just have to find them.

sometimes I read stories in this board that surprise me! Gingerell, I understood that you have normal SED and CRP rates right ? and your x-rays came back fine, no inflammation there either. So there is no sign of inflammation whatsoever in your body, right? How can your doctor diagnose you with polymyalgia rheumatica then ??? and treat you with cortisone ?

Yep you read it correctly. I know, right???? He tried me on prednisone last year and it didn't work. He said that maybe I do have it and this time it will work. Seriously, I think he's grasping at straws because he doesn't know what to do with me anymore. At least it is only a five day trial and I go back to see him next week.

He's put me on a waiting list with a Neurologist at a Pain Management Clinic but that place is so busy it could be a year before I get in. I've been on so many meds and really nothing has helped except opiates.

I woke up this morning and my pain levels were back to normal, just the regular pain. I never thought I'd be so happy to say I was in pain... I was almost giddy lol.

I also wanted to say thank you all for your words of wisdom and support. Some of you have asked me some questions and I will come back as soon as I can to answer. Need to get a few things done and rest before another flare hits me

It's crazy to see all the conditions and diseases out there and how so many of us suffer chronic pain and all the joys that accompany it.

I am in a horrible flare up right now, probably the worst one yet. The dr. has put me back on prednisone for a weekly trial so that we can see if it helps the pain. He really thinks I have polymyalgia rheumatica however, he tested me with prednisone last year and it didn't help. Also, my sed rates are normal and x-rays came back fine (last checked in early /10).

The rheumatologist says soft tissue rheumatism not fibro or anything else lol. I still think I have fibro as the science is always changing on that and from what I've read, the pressure points are not as conclusive as once thought.

All I know is that I've only known pain like this once before and that was with a bad tooth infection. This flare up is by far one of the worst experiences yet. No amount of pain pills will touch it and I can't walk, sit or stand for any length of time. Sheer agony. I've spent that past two days bawling to the point of hyperventilating.

I had a whole 3 hours sleep last night and not much more the night before... even with my prescrip sleeping pills.

I am really so scared and feel hopeless. What if this never goes away? I'm only in my 40s? How can people live like this? I keep trying to be positive and think how lucky I am compared to some but that is easier said than done.

Thanks for all your replies and for letting me vent ... I'm starting to feel like a broken record with my family and friends.

Hello Gingerell ;
I am new to this board but I know how you feel. I have been diagnosed with fibromyalgia for 4 1/2 years but have had symptoms for over 20. I was taking cymbalta for 1 1/2 years but had to come off because of side effects. While I was on it I complained to my family doctor that I was having other pain that was different from my fibro pain. He did lots of blood work which did not show anything so he sent me to a new rheumatologist. She says I have Soft Tissue Rheumatism along with the fibro. Now that I am off the cymbalta the pain is terrible, my feet .ankles , legs, hands and wrists are the worst. This on top of the fibro is almost unbearable.I take 2 tylenol3 and a muscle relaxer for pain but this only dimms it.She says I need physio right away.I just wanted to let you know that there is a difference between the two. Thanks Mel

Hi. I'm new here too. I'm still learning about Fibromyalgia. I know the pain I feel is at an insane level and I'm sure yours is too. You're right..this sucks. I've seen so many doctors and specialists that gave up without a diagnosis. It's frustrating. Sometimes I think that they have no idea and just start guessing or thinking I'm crazy. Hang in there, it HAS to get better!